Brightbank Finnsheep was started in the early 1970's with some of the original genetics imported to Canada from Finland. New genetics were added by frozen semen in 1988 from Finland, and in 2002 by a ram imported from New York. The flock has been closed since 2002.

Kathy Playdon is the owner and operator of Brightbank Finnsheep, aided by her husband Ralph and several border collies and guardian dogs. Brightbank Finnsheep produces top quality purebred rams and ewes from prolific parents.

The Finnsheep is a highly productive animal, that is bred for multiple births, mothering and milking ability, size, and structural correctness. The rams are active breeders and the ewes achieve maturity at an early age. As adults, Finn ewes are capable of conceiving, carrying, and raising what are virtually litters of lambs. Finn ewes generally have 3 to 5 lambs at lambing. Brightbank Finnsheep has had ewes have 7 live lambs at one lambing, and the record is 9 in Finland. The Finn is a good out of season breeder and can lamb two times per year. One Brightbank ewe had 13 lambs in 12 months.

A Snapshot of Brightbank Ewes, Both Past and Current

Tag

Lambs Born Per Year

Lambing Average

1737

3

3

4

4

5

5

5

4.14

1195

3

5

6

5

2

5

3

3

4

4.00

571

3

5

5

5

4.50

931

3

4

5

4

5

4

4.16

148

3

5

4

4.00

27

3

4

4

3

5

4

5

5

2

3.88

6

3

6

4

4.30

1195 - Dam of the reserve Grand Champion Finn Ram at the 1986 World Sheep and Wool Congress